Over 4,000 Migrant Workers’ Biometric Data Collected Under ‘Operation Kurangi’

The Ministry of Homeland Security has collected the biometric data of more than 4,000 migrant workers as part of its nationwide 'Operation Kurangi,' which seeks to bring undocumented foreign workers under legal scrutiny and streamline information gathering. The operation, which began on May 2, is being spearheaded by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Maldives Police Service, and Maldives Immigration, in a coordinated effort to address the long-standing issue of illegal migration in the country.

The operation is currently in its second phase and has already commenced in 45 inhabited islands across the Maldives. In this phase, the government has so far collected biometric data of 4,272 workers from eight islands, including fingerprinting and photographic records, according to a statement released by the Home Ministry on Thursday.

The first phase of 'Operation Kurangi' was conducted in K. Maafushi and K. Himmafushi, which collectively accounted for 1,777 migrant workers. The second phase has expanded to various regions, with the following data collected so far:

- 390 expatriates from Haa Alifu Dhihdhoo

- 178 foreign nationals from Alifushi

- 140 from Dh. Kudahuvadhoo

- 105 from K. Gaafaru

- 701 from K. Himmafushi

- 1,076 from K. Maafushi

- 200 from L. Gan

- 114 from S. Hithadhoo

The ministry emphasized that the second phase of the operation will extend to all inhabited islands across the country, marking a significant step towards managing the growing expatriate population. The overall aim is to regulate foreign workers, ensure they comply with local immigration laws, and identify employers for those found to be undocumented.

The Maldivian government has set a target of resolving the issue of illegal migrants within three years. By using the 'Kurangi' portal, it plans to complete the collection of fingerprints, photographs, and personal information of all foreign nationals within one year. The data collected will allow authorities to keep track of migrant workers and prevent cases of illegal employment and unauthorized movement across the country.

The operation follows the introduction of new regulations aimed at addressing the issue of migrant workers fleeing the Maldives without legal clearance. These policies are part of a broader effort to maintain control over labor migration, a critical issue in the Maldives, where foreign workers, particularly in construction and tourism, make up a significant portion of the workforce.